Karnataka on high alert

The state has been put on high alert over possible revenge attacks following the execution of Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab, deputy chief minister and home minister R Ashoka said.
After inaugurating two new police stations in Amruthahalli and Sampaingehalli on Monday, he said Kasab’s hanging had led to debates.

“We believe terror groups may be planning attacks in Karnataka. The state police have taken adequate measures to thwart such attempts,” he said.

At least 3,000 forces have been deputed to provide security cover to major industrial and nuclear installations in the state. Security in sensitive areas has been beefed up.

The recent terror-related arrests in Karnataka made the opposition, especially minority parties, remark that the arrested youths were framed.

On this, Ashok said 14 people were arrested for plotting terror attacks in Karnataka based on the intelligence provided by the central government.

“We acted on the letter sent by the Union government,” he said. Ashoka lauded the Supreme Court’s decision to hang Kasab for his role in the Mumbai terror attack.

Expressing concern over the terror threat against the state, he said: “We have appointed 300 sub-inspectors and they will be shortly deployed in police stations facing staff shortage. This will be the first time in the state police officers are being appointed in such large numbers.”